PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – A Temple University student is hospitalized with a suspected case of bacterial meningitis.

The unidentified male student is being treated at Temple University Hospital. He lives off campus, but university spokesman Ray Betzner says notices have been sent out to all students as a precaution:

“There’s about a ten-day period after you’ve been exposed where symptoms are likely to come up, and we’re in that window right now, so we wanted to make sure that anybody who has any concerns is seen by a health professional as soon as possible.”

Bacterial meningitis is a potentially fatal infection of the central nervous system. It is contagious but generally not transmitted through casual contact.

“There are rather specific ways you catch this meningitis, and we wanted students to have the information,” Betzner told KYW Newsradio.

The university has spoken to those who have had close, direct contact with the student.